David Nicholl’s new novel is a contemporary tale set in post-COVID London and the North of England, focusing on the lives of two main characters, Marnie and Michael, who are approaching mid-life. The novel takes the reader on a journey as Marnie and Michael embark on a challenging walk across the Lake District and the Dales, gradually falling in love. Both characters are somewhat damaged and sad due to their past experiences, but they are functioning adults, which ultimately allows them to find happiness in each other.
Marnie, aged 38, comes from a working-class background and has never attended university. She works as a copy editor and has gained a small but well-deserved reputation for her skills. Her life has revolved around working from home, especially after COVID, and she rarely ventures outside or interacts with others. Her marriage ended in disaster, leaving her struggling to make ends meet. Marnie’s best friend, Cleo, persuades her to join a hillwalking trip across the Lake District and the Dales, a journey that the reader experiences alongside her.
Michael, aged 42, is a middle school teacher in the North of England. He is separated from his wife, Natasha, but their parting was amicable. Michael has been dealing with depression and trauma-related anxiety for almost a year. He is a physically fit and capable hillwalker who has plotted the route for the trip organized by Cleo, who is his colleague. The story unfolds as Marnie and Michael, along with a group of other walkers, set out on their journey.
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